Sunday, 17 January 2016

Double cheer in the new year!

I was happy enough to get the first winner of 2016 on the board when Dakota City won at Kempton on Wednesday but to double up with Attain at Lingfield on Saturday was even better. It was only last week on the way back from Chelmsford after Attain had run a stinker that myself and Poppy were wondering where our next winner would come from but these two boys put in near career-bests to finish in front.
I probably frustrated a few people with Dakota after saying I was going to run him over a longer trip but then reverted back to his usual distance. This was only because there were no suitable races for him over two miles and luckily he showed his well being by winning over his usual distance. I am still keen to try him over further but it needs to be at the right time.

Dakota City & Adam Beschizza win at Kempton

Attain is a credit to himself and notched his fourth win in 12 months. He handicaps himself and only wins when he is back down to 60-rated grade. It is likely he will go up a few pounds for this win, have to race in a higher grade and then only get competitive again when he eventually falls down again but he seems to love his routine and is a great, fun horse for the N.E.T. Racing Club which you can join for just £200 a year.

Attain and Shelley Birkett score for the N.E.T. Racing Club

Hopefully we have some other good chances this week.
On Tuesday at Southwell we have a trio of raiders, starting with Candesta. He finally got his head in front at Kempton a few weeks back and has been training well since. He seems to go best when a bit fresh so the short break isn't a worry and he has shown form at the course before. After waiting so long for his first success, it's hard to be confident but he should be competitive.
Star Of The Stage is unproven at the course but I think it is somewhere he will handle. He is coming back down to a grade where he can win at and, although it is a competitive race, he could be in the shake-up.

Star Of The Stage (Adam) & Candesta (Liam)

Completing the trio is Kemsing. He won on his first run for us since being bought at the sales over the course and distance last month. He has come on great guns for that win and, although we wanted to try him over a mile, this looked another good opportunity so hopefully he can continue his good run.

Limerick Lord (Mark) & Kemsing (Ross)

We're back to Southwell on Thursday but with just the one runner as Limerick Lord looks to follow up his recent win there. The success did his confidence the world of good and his regular rider Mark has been very happy with the horse's form. He will need to raise his game after going up in the weights but the horse does seem a lot more happy and relaxed now so fingers crossed he can improve.

Kemsing and Limerick Lord cool down

I will give Teputina an entry in a maiden at Chelmsford on Sunday and, depending on how she gallops on Tuesday, she could take her chance. She only needs one more run to qualify for handicaps and then she will find life a lot easier.

Serendib's Glory has been going great guns lately and her debut run late last year really brought her on and she will be ready to visit the track again soon. Her owner's other horse, Veeraya, is making his way back to full fitness after a break and he too is in good order. He is well handicapped now so I hope we can nick a race with him before the all-weather season comes to an end.